Sea ice is a complex composite composed primarily of pure ice in various states of crystallization, but including air bubbles and pockets of brine. Understanding its growth processes is important for climate modellers and remote sensing specialists, since the composition and microstructural properties of the ice affect how it reflects or absorbs sunlight.
Sea ice growth models for predicting the ice distribution and extent are also valuable for shipping. An ice growth model can be combined with remote sensing measurements in an assimilation model as a means of generating more accurate ice charts.